Ironman athlete dies following medical emergency while swimming

A man competing in Sunday's Ironman 70.3 Oregon event died Tuesday after experiencing a medical emergency during the 1.2 mile swim portion of the race in the Willamette River, the organization announced Wednesday on social media.

An Ironman volunteer acting as water safety personnel recognized an athlete in need of medical attention during one of the first heats of swimming, before 7:30 a.m., according to Brian Carrara, Salem Fire Department deputy chief for administrative services.

The volunteer was on a paddleboard and retrieved the athlete and brought him to a Salem Fire boat, where he received medical care, Carrara said.

Salem Fire Medic transported the athlete to a hospital for further treatment.

Ironman 70.3 Oregon announced the athlete's death on Facebook. It did not identify the athlete.

"We send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the athlete and will continue to offer them our support as they go through this very difficult time," the post said.

Ironman 70.3 officials declined to provide further information.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Isabel Funk covers breaking news and public safety for the Statesman Journal. Funk can be reached at ifunk@statesmanjournal.com or on X at @isabeldfunk

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Ironman athlete dies following medical emergency while swimming